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Webster 1913 Edition

Enormous

E-nor′mous

,
Adj.
[L.
enormis
enormous, out of rule;
e
out +
norma
rule: cf. F.
énorme
. See
Normal
.]
1.
Exceeding the usual rule, norm, or measure; out of due proportion; inordinate; abnormal.
“Enormous bliss.”
Milton.
“This enormous state.”
Shak.
“The hoop’s enormous size.”
Jenyns.
Wallowing unwieldy,
enormous
in their gait.
Milton.
2.
Exceedingly wicked; outrageous; atrocious; monstrous;
as, an
enormous
crime
.
Syn. – Huge; vast; immoderate; immense; excessive; prodigious; monstrous.
–
Enormous
,
Immense
,
Excessive
. We speak of a thing as enormous when it overpasses its ordinary law of existence or far exceeds its proper average or standard, and becomes – so to speak – abnormal in its magnitude, degree, etc.;
as, a man of
enormous
strength; a deed of
enormous
wickedness
. Immense expresses somewhat indefinitely an immeasurable quantity or extent. Excessive is applied to what is beyond a just measure or amount, and is always used in an evil;
as,
enormous
size; an
enormous
crime
; an immense expenditure; the expanse of ocean is immense. “Excessive levity and indulgence are ultimately excessive rigor.”
V. Knox.
“Complaisance becomes servitude when it is excessive.”
La Rochefoucauld (Trans).

Webster 1828 Edition

Enormous

ENOR'MOUS

,
Adj.
[L. enormis; e and norma, a rule.]
1.
Going beyond the usual measure or rule.
Enormous in their gait.
2.
Excursive; beyond the limits of a regular figure.
The enormous part of the light in the circumference of every lucid point.
3.
Great beyond the common measure; excessive; as enormous crime or guilt.
4.
Exceeding, in bulk or highth, the common measure; as an enormous form; a man of enormous size.
5.
Irregular; confused; disordered; unusual.

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